The resignation of dental minister Neil O’Brien leaves the much-delayed recovery plan for NHS dentistry in limbo. While Andrea Leadsom MP has been handed the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Primary Care and Public Health brief, it is unclear at this time if dentistry will remain part of the portfolio.
So, in an open letter to new Secretary of State Victoria Atkins MP, we’re clear her new team must prioritise the publication of a plan, underpinned by appropriate resources.
The Department must also show it shares the aspirations of the Health and Social Care Committee, who have offered a roadmap for rebuilding a patient-centred, prevention-focused service.
A break from the failed NHS contract is the only way of realising stated ambitions from across government to ‘restore NHS dentistry’ and provide access to NHS care who all who need it.